Dillon is a leader, consultant, and human services professional of mixed Indigenous (Métis/Scandinavian) ancestry with more than 27 years of progressive leadership experience across the public sector in Manitoba and British Columbia. Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and relationship-based leadership, Dillon is committed to advancing culturally safe, trauma-informed, and inclusive organizations. She holds a Master of Social Work with a specialization in Leadership in the Human Services and is recognized for her strategic thinking, collaborative approach, and ability to guide organizations through complex change and growth.

Tess Ray Houston (they/she) is a Red River Métis entrepreneur, consultant, and creative professional based in Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, Manitoba). As the founder of Midnight Bannock (MBNK), an artist management, creative direction, and consulting company, Tess brings experience in entrepreneurship, events/project management, small business development, arts programming, business operations, communications, branding and strategic planning. With more than a decade of multidisciplinary experience, their work sits at the intersection of business, culture, and the creative industries, supporting clients with career and business development, growth strategies, operations, and turning creative ideas into practical plans.

Carlie Kane (she/her) is a First Nations-settler lawyer based in Winnipeg and a proud member of Obishikokaang (Lac Seul First Nation) in Treaty 3 territory. Her connection to community and culture is rooted in the teachings of her grandmother, Elizabeth Southwind, a respected matriarch and language speaker.

 Carlie holds a B.A. in Indigenous Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies and a Juris Doctor from the University of Manitoba. Her legal experience includes working with firms across Canada, with a focus on Indigenous governance, law development, and community-based legal research.

Her practice is guided by a commitment to Indigenous self-determination, nation rebuilding, and governance grounded in Indigenous legal traditions, alongside approaches centered on healing, restorative justice, and community wellbeing.

Melinda is a Red River Métis lawyer with more than a decade of experience supporting large-scale development projects, governance initiatives, and economic development opportunities. Currently practicing with Marrow Law LLP, she works primarily with Indigenous Nations and organizations on governance, policy development, economic development, and self-determination initiatives. Her work is grounded in sustainable decision-making, relationship-building, and supporting Indigenous-led priorities

Victoria (she/her) is a Métis-Cree lawyer, educator, and consultant who works internationally across disciplines, but has focused practices in Nunavut and Manitoba. She has a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from the University of Manitoba and is presently working towards an LLM (Master of Laws) at Osgoode Hall. She has published internationally and domestically on social and legal issues, tackling issues from gender-based violence to Indigenous statelessness. Victoria is the Vice-President at the Indigenous Bar Association, Board Member at the Manitoba Association of Playwrights, and frequent performer in Manitoba Lawyer's Plays. She gives back to her community by providing pro-bono legal education in remote and isolated communities, promoting the reinvigoration of traditional forms of justice, and through artistic mentorships. Victoria's diverse experiences underscore her dedication to driving change. Her work reflects a deep commitment to justice, policy, education, and the arts, all of which are essential to building empowered, thriving communities.